Executive Assistant, PLAYFUL PRODUCTIONS

Playful Productions Playful Productions founded in 2010 by Matthew Byam Shaw, Nia Janis and Nick Salmon is one of the most eminent, independent theatre production companies in the West End. Recent and current producing and general management work includes Pride, Inter Alia, Wicked, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, MJ The Musical, Born with Teeth and The Fifth Step . We also have many plays and musicals in development and pre-production. We are one of the West End’s largest employers and we are passionate about presenting high-quality shows to audiences across the UK and beyond. We are committed to a workplace culture that embraces equality, diversity and inclusion across all departments.

Overview Provide dedicated and high-level executive and administrative support to Producer and Company Director Nia Janis across all aspects of her work at Playful Productions including the development, production and ongoing management of theatre productions in the West End, nationally and internationally. This role is pivotal in providing seamless executive support that enables Nia to manage the fast pace and heavy workload that her schedule demands. This is a highly trusted role requiring outstanding judgement, anticipation, organisation and relationship management.

Reports to - Nia Janis

Line Manager – Nia Janis and Head of People & Culture

Executive Support

• Provide exceptional day-to-day executive support across all areas of Nia’s work.
• Function as a trusted gatekeeper, representative and deputy.
• Act as the first point of contact for matters relating to Nia, ensuring requests are appropriately managed and triaged and that deadlines are met.
• Make informed decisions on routine matters, knowing when to act independently and when to seek guidance.
• Be pre-emptive and several steps ahead at all times.
• Work at pace, supporting Nia’s heavy, urgent workload.
• Manage highly confidential information with discretion and diplomacy.
• Coordinate internal sign-offs and approvals requiring Nia’s input.
• Prepare agendas, briefing papers, research, presentations and meeting notes.
• Prepare, proofread and format documents and presentations to an exceptionally high standard with a strong attention to detail.
• Arrange meeting spaces, hospitality and technology requirements, and ensure guests are welcomed appropriately.
• Manage travel, accommodation, restaurants, hospitality, theatre tickets and logistics.
• Process expenses and invoices accurately and in accordance with company procedures.
• Attending meetings, rehearsals, performances and events as required.

Diary & Time Management

• Take full ownership and responsibility for an exceptionally busy diary.
• Forward plan weeks, months and production cycles ahead.
• Anticipate Nia’s requirements and ensure she has the information, resources and preparation she needs.
• Understand the purpose and desired outcome of every meeting.
• Be agile, nimble and positive when approaching diary management.
• Maintain excellent relationships when plans change.
• Ensure meeting actions are communicated and actioned, disseminating information across the team on Nia’s behalf.

Inbox & Communication

• Manage Nia’s inbox proactively; flagging, folderising, deleting, archiving and drafting responses where appropriate. Identify priorities and ensure important correspondence never stalls.
• Brief Nia on key correspondence and recommend actions or responses where appropriate.
• Draft correspondence in Nia’s tone and style where appropriate.
• Ensure communication flows smoothly between investors, creative teams and all external stakeholders.
• Take a pivotal role in communicating information across the Directors, Managing Director and Finance Director.
• Manage invitations, RSVPs and follow-up communications.
• Maintain accurate contact databases and filing systems.
• Answer and screen telephone calls, taking accurate messages and handling any general enquiries with the Playful team.

Production Knowledge & Support

• Develop and maintain an in-depth understanding of Playful’s and Nia’s slates of productions.
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of Playful’s productions and key stakeholders in order to anticipate needs and provide seamless support.
• Understand the lifecycle of commercial theatre productions from development through to closure.
• Understand the requirements of key production milestones including readings, workshops, auditions, r…